GUTA President advocates for attractive, simplified tax system in Ghana

In a noteworthy address at the 2024 National Tax Forum, Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA), advocated for a pivotal shift in Ghana’s tax policy.

Emphasizing the necessity for a transformative approach to tax mobilization, Dr. Obeng advocated for a departure from taxes being used as a punitive measure towards cultivating an environment where tax payments are perceived as attractive incentives rather than burdensome impositions.

Central to his argument was the imperative for the Ghanaian government to streamline and simplify the nation’s tax system, rendering it more accessible and economically viable for businesses.

Dr. Obeng stressed that such reforms are essential for fostering compliance, a cornerstone of enhanced tax revenue mobilization.

“Critical to enhancing tax revenue is compliance, and you will not be able to enhance your tax revenue if your tax system is complex and not uniform. When tax payment is made attractive and affordable, compliance is assured and revenue is enhanced,” remarked Dr. Obeng.

He elucidated that a simplified and cohesive tax regime engenders a culture of compliance among taxpayers, thereby bolstering revenue streams for the government.

Dr. Obeng’s assertions resonate within the broader discourse on taxation in Ghana, where the pursuit of an efficient and equitable tax system is paramount. By championing simplicity, accessibility, and compliance, Dr. Obeng underscores the symbiotic relationship between taxation policies and economic vitality.

He made the assertions while speaking at the 2024 National Tax Forum on the theme “Enhancing Taxation in Ghana, Joint Participation.” 

The Forum was organized by Revenue Mobilisation Africa (RMA) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) with funding support from Oxfam.